Analysis of the Nikon Coolpix L340
camera which has a 20-megapixel sensor and a 28 x in a bridge format zooms.
This Nikon Coolpix L340 is a bridge
camera equipped with a powerful zoom lens at a price that can be described as
affordable. This model is the renewal of its predecessor the L330. Without the
main attraction, in addition to the 20-megapixel sensor is an optical zoom of
28 x which gives a 35mm equivalent focal range to (22-630 mm). As a negative
point, at least, from my point of view, is the fact of not having a battery, as
its power is through the use of 4 AA batteries.
Analysis of Nikon Coolpix L340
Features
To be honest there is a big difference
between an older model, i.e. the L330 and this new Nikon Coolpix L340. In fact,
the biggest difference we can find lies in the marginal increase of the zoom
range. While its predecessor had a 26 x optical zoom, this new model has been
increased to 28 x, which equals a range spanning 22 - 630mm in 35mm.
As a remarkable point is the fact that
Nikon has provided the lens with a vibration reduction by displacement of the
lens, which is vital in reducing the vibration of the pulse, and has its
largest application in situations with poor lighting and video recording.
The L340 is externally identical to
the L330, and also shares the same 20.2MP CCD sensor that is capable of
obtaining a maximum of ISO1600 sensitivity.
To the video recording, the
resolution remains in HD 1280 x 720, which given the progressive leap into the
4 k which we are living, is a somewhat low resolution and I do not think that
this justified not record in 1080 p when the majority of current smartphones
are able to do so. However, this is the consideration that we must pay to have
a product with a good zoom lens at an affordable price.
Specifications
- 20.2-megapixel CCD sensor 1 / 2.3 inch
- ISO80 to ISO1600
- 28 x optical zoom, equivalent 22.5 - 630mm, f / 3.1 to 5.9
- Lens shift vibration reduction
- LCD screen 3.0 inch, 460,000-points
- 720 p HD video recording
- AA batteries
This Nikon Coolpix L340 111.1 x 76.3 x
83.3 mm and is relatively compact for the type of camera that is. In terms of
weight, this is 430 grams, which also falls within the normal range that can be
found in most bridge cameras powered by batteries.
The design overall is thick, boasts a
large rubber grip and support for the thumb on the back make that camera has a
user-friendly in terms of its grip. Despite being a bridge camera, its range of
controls closer place the buttons available in the Compact with basic controls
are limited to essential controls for the self-timer, scene modes, macro mode,
video recording and flash mode choice.
The hint that we find manual control
is the button for exposure compensation, which allows us to several up to +/-2
set the exposure points. This Nikon Coolpix L340 has a 3 inch LCD screen which
offers a generally satisfactory visual experience since it has a good
reproduction of color and brightness. However, total resolution remains at only
460K points, which is pretty far from what they give other models. His main
point against is situated in viewing angles, which are quite limited. This L340
uses the Nikon menu design. It is not particularly special, but it is basic,
functional and easy to navigate, especially considering how some menu options
are available.
Battery
In this sense, I know people that have
to use batteries AA seem a good choice in the sense that it is very easy to
find a replacement quickly and cheaply in any part of the world. For my
particular, weight and the poor performance of this type of battery do that you
for me a camera that makes use of this power system this completely ruled out.
In any case, it is worth mentioning that with 4 alkaline AA batteries we may
get 370 shots, which is quite acceptable.
Speed
- Shutter response - 0.15secs
- Wide - Zoom / shutter response - 0.5secs
- Full - focus zoom / shutter response - 0.55secs
- Turn on time to take a photo - 1.7secs
- One trip to another without Flash - 3.2secs
- Shot to shot with Flash - 4.6secs
- Continuous shot – JPEG
- (Vaccines before reducing the speed) - 1 FPS (4 shots)
- Continuous shooting – Flash - N / A
The lens performance
The fact of having a 28 x optical zoom
is undoubtedly its greatest attraction. Equipped zoom produces moderate levels
of chromatic aberration, however processing JPEG Nikon correct in the majority
of cases any lens distortion, although it presents a slight ripple that is
still noticeable at maximum wide angle
In terms of sharpness, it is
acceptable in the center and its surroundings but looks much deteriorated into
the corners. Auto-focus speed is a highlight of this camera, as in good light it
focuses really quickly in the macro approach while Nikon quotes a 1 cm macro
focus distance, is necessary at least 5 cm.
ISO noise performance
The range of ISO 80 and 100, this
Nikon L340 produces enough clean images with little evidence of noise. ISO 200,
noise begins to appear and the edges are beginning to lose definition. There is
a little more noise at ISO 400, but the images can be considered as acceptable.
From here the noise is very noticeable and impairs the quality of the image.
Pros:
Optical zoom
Quality sensor
Good construction
Cons:
Power batteries
AA
Few manual
options
ISO performance
Opinion
This Nikon Coolpix L340 is an update
shortly highlight of its predecessor, the fact of not having battery can be justified
by the smallness of its price since we must not forget that we have a camera
with a 20-megapixel resolution and a 28 x total zoom.
However, I believe that we can find
best options, that while they will not have such resolution or both zoom, will
be better options than this Nikon Coolpix L340 altogether in the same price
range.
